Robert "Bob" H. Bundi

Robert H. “Bob” Bundi, 74, of Great Falls passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021, leaving behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Linda and his loving family who will miss him dearly.

Born to Nicholas A. Bundi and Ethel Mae (Curtiss) Bundi, the youngest of five children consisting of three older brothers and an older sister.  His childhood could be reflected in a Norman Rockwell picture.  He started working at a very young age which included delivering flowers with his brother, Joe for Kranz House of flowers and selling the afternoon paper along with his brother, Joe (The Great Falls Leader) in the Medical Arts Building.  While selling afternoon papers he would go and offer to empty the trash for Alec Gordon the owner of the Glass-Art Shop and Norah Hyde the owner of the Health Food Store.  He was soon offered a job at the Glass-Art Shop where he would work all through high school and during the summer.  It was there that he met Mr. G’s niece, Linda Lee Gordon when she was also hired to work at the Glass-Art Shop and they would become high school sweethearts.  After graduating from Great Falls High School in 1966 he joined the Navy and served from 1967 to 1971.  During his time in the Navy, he was fortunate to be stationed in the Mediterranean on the USS Little Rock with home port Gaeta, Italy.  During this time the  ship made port in Monaco and as part of the Honor Guard he had the privilege of meeting Princess Grace of Monaco.  He and the Honor Guard were invited to have tea with the Princess after she found out Bob was from Montana as was her good friend, Gary Cooper.  He would finish out his service in the Navy on the USS Nitro before returning to Great Falls to marry his high school sweetheart, Linda on August 28, 1971 and this year would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Bob and Linda purchased the Glass-Art Shop from Alec Gordon in February 1974 and closed it August of 2020 after owning the business for 46 years.  During the time of owning the business he added an art gallery and was known for his distinct eye for color and design.  Not only did well known local artists establish their careers showing their art in his gallery, but also lifelong friendships.  Over the years he mentored several young men as they worked through high school, such as his nephew, Nick Olds, and his son, Matthew.  Matthew remembers cutting lots of picture frames, running errands and emptying trash. 

Bob truly loved to cook and entertain and along with his good friend, Bill Ferro created some wonderful meals.  Bob and Bill were known for catering artist openings at the Glass-Art Shop, weddings, birthday parties and anniversaries for family and friends.

Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda; daughter, Laura (Kent) Kupfner; son, Matthew (Patty) Bundi; brothers, Joe (Joyce) Bundi and Jim (Marcia) Bundi; cousin, Kathy Alzheimer; three grandsons, Austin, Kolton Robert and Ethan Kupfner; step grandson, Patrick Cooper and special nephew, Nick Olds; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Bob Olds; brother, Charles “Chuck” Bundi.

The family would like to thank Sara and her staff at the Bee Hive, The Pine for taking such good care of our Dad the last few months he was here with us.  Thank you to all the family and friends who came to see him or called him.  It meant a lot to him but most of all it meant a lot to Linda, Laura and Matthew.

The family plans on having a celebration of Bob’s life next summer and in the meantime asks that you prepare your favorite meal and raise a glass in memory of Bob.  The family suggests donations be made in Bob’s name to Pet Paw-see, P.O. Box 6491, Great Falls, MT 59406 or The Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center, 900 25th Ave. NE, Great Falls, MT 59404 or a charity of your choice.

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